“Coach” James R. White
Coach James R. White began his coaching career with SAISD as a Physical Education teacher at Belaire Elementary in 1960. In 1967, Coach White transferred to John Glenn Jr. High as a Physical Education teacher and weight training/conditioning coach for football. That year, a young man by the name of Jimmy White approached Coach White and asked him if he would sponsor him at the 1st State High School Gymnastics Championships. Coach White agreed and Jimmy went on to be the 1st State High School Champion on pommel horse. This was the beginning of high school gymnastics in San Angelo. Coach White began building a successful gymnastics program at John Glenn Jr. High after school with a handful of dedicated young boys.
By 1972, gymnastics had a home on the Central High School campus. The original building began at the north wall and stopped at the third support beam and encompassed approximately 3500 square fee. At that time, vaulting was practiced outside on the grass field. In 1976 there was a new addition extending from the existing building south to the current spectator stands. At that time vault was moved indoors and gymnasts started their run from the old boy’s restroom at the north end of the building. In 1982 another addition was added on the west side of the building and vaulting pit was built in that addition. The inside of the building continued to have insulation and chicken wire for the walls with ceiling extending approximately fifteen feet higher than the existing ceiling. In the year 1994 the school district lowered the ceiling, added wood paneling to the walls and installed central air. The current facility addition was approved through a bond package and began in the summer of 2001 and finished in January of 2002.
Coach White was the Bobcat Gymnastics coach for 22 years. He accomplished a great deal in his years at Central High School. He earned 11 District titles, 14 Regional titles, 5 State titles, 1 National title and 15 All-American teams. He was named Coach of the year in Texas and the Nation in 1983. His teams qualified to the state meet 18 consecutive years. He established a record of 280 wins and 69 losses. Coach White was a nationally rated gymnastics judge. In 1985, he received his FIG rating and was selected to judge the Olympic Festival. He received a second FIG rating in 1988 and was also a certified Jr. Olympic Judge. In 1991, Coach White retired from SAISD and coaching.
For Coach White, gymnastics has always been a family affair. Sons, James and John and daughter, Jennifer, were All-American gymnasts at Central High School.
In 1986 Coach White traveled to the Soviet Union and represented the United States at the International Gymnastics School and Friendship Competition in Moscow. During that same year he attended the University of Moscow and was trained in the Soviet Strength Training and Gymnastics Curriculum. In 1989, Coach White traveled to Australia and represented USA Gymnastics by training the Australian coach staff and gymnast.
Coach White is a Lifetime member of the Gymnastics Association of Texas and has been honored twice with the Distinguished Service to Youth Award. Coach White was dedicated to his Bobcat gymnasts and was known for his bright orange sports coat at all gymnastics meets. He has inspired numerous gymnast throughout his career with former gymnasts becoming collegiate gymnasts, National team members, USA National team coaches, Olympic Coaches, USA Gymnastics program directors, High School Coaches and Club Owners. In one way or another San Angelo has been represented in gymnastics all over the world due to Coach White’s influence. In July of 1996, Coach White lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. Just as he lived his life, he finished with dignity, strength and courage. Coach White will be forever remembered by those who were lucky enough to know him and for those gymnasts yet to come.
THANKS “COACH”